Sears and Michelin Celebrate 50-Year Relationship

Sears® has sold 135 million MICHELIN® tires, more than any other retailer

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 21, 2015 – Michelin® and Sears® are celebrating 50 years in business together. In that half-century, Sears has sold more than 135 million MICHELIN tires, more than any other retailer. Sears was also instrumental in bringing radial tires to U.S. customers in 1965, when it signed an agreement to sell MICHELIN Radial tires under the Allstate trademark, even before Michelin opened its first manufacturing sites in North America.

“Fifty years ago Sears and Michelin took a big risk together when they signed a treaty to sell radial tires in the U.S.,” said Scott Clark, chief operating officer of Michelin North America’s passenger and light truck tire division. “The radial tire technology, which was yet to be proven in the U.S., helped consumers experience tires that lasted twice as long as bias-ply tires, and were more fuel-efficient and comfortable. The partnership with Sears has been a long and successful one for both of our companies, and we look forward to continuing to sell our MICHELIN®, BFGoodrich® and UNIROYAL® tires at Sears in the future.”

“Sears Auto Centers is proud to have sold more MICHELIN tires than any other retailer,” said Brian Kaner, who leads Sears Holdings’ Automotive business. “Together over the past 50 years, Michelin and Sears have seen many changes in the auto industry, the nation’s highway system and the cars people drive. But one thing has been constant – Sears Auto has been there to help Americans maintain their vehicles, including providing innovative and high-quality tires from Michelin and its brands. We’re excited to mark this special occasion with our teams at Sears and Michelin. In today’s competitive marketplace, two teams working together for 50 years truly is a significant accomplishment.”

Sears and Michelin will mark the anniversary with a number of promotions and special events throughout the months of July and August including an online sweepstakes where one lucky Sears Shop Your Way ® member will win a four-year lease of a Chevrolet Camaro.

About Michelin North America

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company has earned a long-standing reputation for building innovative premium tires. In addition to tires, the company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs about 22,700 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants.